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Best Cameras That Shoot Stable Handheld Videos

04/09/2021

Photographers and videographers have relied on camera support systems such as tripods, cranes, and dollies for ages.


However, there is a style of capturing images and videos- independent of any camera supportive mechanism. It is a handheld shot.


A handheld shot is one of the various camera movement styles used to capture images and videos without a defined camera position. Cinematographers use this technique to shoot shaky footage for an action scene.


Not that you can only capture shaky videos or images with a handheld camera. Professionals have utilized this technique to record various innovative footage. 


Shooting handheld videos means that operator is holding the camera in their hands to record instead of fixing it on a tripod.


Let us see which cameras are suitable for handheld recording.




Best Handheld Video Camera


While you can use any camera to take a handheld shot, you cannot expect the same results from each model. Some cameras offer great results when we talk about handheld recording, while others perform better when they are used from a fixed position.


Some of the best handheld video cameras are:



1. AKASO Brave 7


AKASO Brave 7 is an excellent handheld video camera that will offer you some value for your money. It serves as an exceptional recorder for vloggers due to its handheld features.


But it is also a good camera for anybody else who wants to capture sharp handheld videos.




Pros


- It comes with a selfie screen


- Offers amazing image stabilization


- Endless mounts to wear the camera


- Sharp handheld recording


Cons


- Cannot record 4K videos at 60fps


- Overall, Brave 7 makes a fantastic choice for handheld recording- with its in-built 6-Axis stabilization. 


It might not be as powerful as GoPro, but it can effectively remove wobbly edges from a captured video and make it sharp.



2. Sony- HDRCX405 HD Video Camcorder


Sony's HDRCX405 is a reliable handheld camcorder- featuring a wide-angle ZEISS lens, one of the best performing lenses available. Plus, the model includes a 30x-Optical/ 60x-clear image zoom capacity.


When it comes to handheld cameras and camcorders, there is hardly any product out there as good as this one.




Key features


- Sony- HDRCX405 has an Exmor R CMOS sensor to capture sharp handheld footage even in low-light. Compared to CCD sensors, a CMOS sensor consumes less energy.


- The Swiss-made ZEISS lens is a trending topic in the world of cameras. This Sony model is equipped with an 8mm Carl ZEISS lens, increasing your frame range.


What makes HDRCX405 an excellent handheld camera is its SteadyShot image stabilization. It is a 3-way shake reduction system that helps you eliminate shakiness from any footage.


Its automatic modes allow scene-based optimization- up to 60 different scene combinations.



3. DJI Pocket 2


The DJI pocket 2 is a dedicated handheld recorder- that you can take anywhere you go. It is a second-generation model that comes with an in-built 3-Axis stabilizer.


Inspired by Osmo Pocket, this model is almost the same size, but it includes a broader lens, a larger sensor, and an enhanced AF system.


It is a convenient and user-friendly recorder, ideal for vloggers and content creators. Similar to the original Osmo Pocket, DJI Pocket 2 has a compact design. However, it includes an additional mini control stick that offers better usability.




Pros


- Handheld 4K video recording


- It features a mini control stick with zoom features


- Good sound recording


- Advanced AF system


- Intuitive touchscreen


- User-friendly control buttons


Cons


- Quality is compromised when zoomed in over 4x


- Once attached to a smartphone, the device feels unbalanced.


Overall, it is one of the best handheld recorders that you can get. However, you might not be satisfied with its still images' quality.



4. Canon Vixia HF W10 Video Camera


Another handheld camcorder-  Canon Vixia HF W10, is a compact device, well-equipped to shoot in any situation.


If you are looking for a handheld camera to record home videos, recitals, or events, Vixia HF W10 is a reliable choice.


Its 40x Optical and 60x dynamic zoom helps you capture sharp footage from a distance. Plus, its compact size makes the device easy to carry anywhere.


Its ability to capture 2MP still images while recording a video is a unique feature you do not see in most camcorders.


Key features:


- You can record HD videos up to 1920 x 1080p60


- It includes Canon ⅕.8” CMOS sensor


- Natively shockproof and waterproof


- It offers 8GB in-built memory, expandable up to 64GB.


Besides, its face tracking and time-lapse features make this device ideal for handheld recording.



Handheld Accessories


Handheld recording indeed refers to the use of a camera without any supportive mechanism. However, using some handy accessories can make your handheld recording easy. 



1. Camera Gimbal




The camera gimbal is an accessory used for recording videos- that is equipped with sensors and motors. When a camera is fixed to a gimbal, it can rotate smoothly along a defined axis.


There are various types of camera gimbals available in the market, out of which the 3-Axis gimbal is most popular.


Camera gimbals might not be as stable as jigs and dollies. These accessories are helpful for handheld recording.



2. Handheld Camera Tripod




There are mainly two types of tripod used for recording videos and photography. The first and common type is the fixed tripod that larger and heavier than the other type.


Next is the handheld tripod- suitable for on-the-go content creators. Due to its compact size and lightweight, you can carry these tripods anywhere you go.


It is not named a handheld tripod just because of its portability. You can hold this tripod in your hands while shooting a video. Along with flexibility, handheld tripods also add steadiness to your video.



3. Camera Handheld Stabilizer


A camera handheld stabilizer, also known as a camera-stabilizing mount, is a handy device that restricts any unwanted movement in your videos.


No matter how compelling your in-built camera stabilizer might be, you cannot remove 100% shakiness with it.


Using a handheld stabilizer is the only way you can keep your videos free of shakiness.